Retaliation in Tampa Sexual Harassment Cases: Is It Legal? Find Out Now and How a Lawyer Can Help You if You Were Sexually Harassed at Work in Tampa

The unfortunately reality is that even if severe or pervasive sexual harassment happens in the workplace, many employees in Tampa hesitate to report sexual harassment because they fear retaliation. Indeed, many Tampa employees often worry they will be fired, demoted, given fewer hours, or treated unfairly after speaking up. However, the good news for Tampa employees who are facing sexual harassment at work, and wish to make a complaint,  is that retaliation for reporting sexual harassment is illegal under both federal and Florida law. Here we explain the ins-and-outs of retaliation in Tampa sexual harassment cases and where to find legal help in Tampa.

Retaliation for Making a Sexual Harassment Complaint in Tampa

At the outset, it is important for Tampa sexual harassment victims to keep in mind that sexual harassment in the workplace can take many forms, including unwanted comments, inappropriate touching, offensive jokes, or repeated unwelcome advances. When a Tampa employee reports this behavior to a supervisor, human resources department, or employer, the law provides important protections. Employers are not allowed to punish employees simply because they complained about harassment or participated in an investigation.

Retaliation after submitting a sexual harassment complaint can show up in obvious ways, such as termination or suspension, but it can also be more subtle. Common examples include reduced work hours, changes to job duties, denial of promotions, negative performance reviews, or creating a hostile work environment after a complaint is made. Even actions that may seem minor on their own can amount to retaliation if they occur because an employee spoke up about sexual harassment.

Retaliation is Unlawful in Tampa

Tampa workers should know that retaliation is unlawful in Tampa even if the underlying sexual harassment claim is ultimately disputed or not proven. As long as an employee made a good faith complaint or participated in a workplace investigation, they are protected from retaliation. This means workers should not be punished simply for raising concerns or asking their employer to address inappropriate behavior.

Many Tampa workers are unsure what to do if they believe they are being retaliated against. In some cases, employees try to tolerate the situation, hoping it will improve. In other situations, workers may quit, believing they have no other option. However, retaliation claims can be just as serious as the original harassment claim, and employees may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages. This is why it is important to speak with an experienced Tampa retaliation lawyer if you believe that your employer retaliated against you for making a good faith sexual harassment complaint.

Getting Legal Help in Tampa

So then, how can an experienced Tampa retaliation lawyer help you? An experienced Tampa retaliation lawyer can help Tampa employees who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace understand whether retaliation has occurred and what legal options may be available. An experienced Tampa retaliation lawyer can review the timeline of events, evaluate employer actions, and determine whether those actions were connected to a harassment complaint. Your Tampa retaliation lawyer can also help guide employees through filing internal complaints, agency charges, or legal claims when necessary.

If you believe you were sexually harassed at work and then punished for speaking up, know that you do not have to face your retaliation case alone. The experienced Tampa retaliation lawyers at the law firm Florin Gray are here to help. Contact Florin Gray today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.